Storm Return To The United Bowl

SIOUX FALLS, SD -- The Sioux Falls Storm (11-4) defeated the Cedar Rapids Titans (9-6) 44-20 on Saturday night to punch their ticket to the 2013 United Bowl game. Strong defense and consistent mistake free offense were the keys to the Storm’s success.

Cedar Rapids began the game with the ball and capitalized with a 18-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Colton Hansen to wide out V’Keon Lacey. The Titans recovered a mishandled kickoff return, giving them the ball back offensively with a 7-0 lead.

Sioux Falls stepped up their defensive pressure leading to a stoppage on the drive but the Titans were able to knock in a 46-yard field goal putting Cedar Rapids in the lead by 10. With 6:08 remaining in the first quarter, Storm kicker Parker Douglass kicked in a 28-yard field goal to put Sioux Falls on the board and trailing by a touchdown. With 15 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Storm quarterback Terrance Bryant connected with wide out James Terry for a 10-yard touchdown tying the game at 10.

Sioux Falls took their first lead of the game in the second quarter when Douglass kicked in an 18-yard field goal making it 13-10, Storm. The Storm extended their lead making it 20-10 when Martevious Young ran in a 5-yard quarterback keeper. Late in the half, Cedar Rapids made it a one-possession game on a 22-yard field goal. At the half, the Sioux Falls Storm led the Cedar Rapids Titans 20-13.

Sioux Falls began the third quarter scoring with a 10-yard touchdown pass from Bryant to Terry making it a 27-13 Storm lead. With 10 seconds remaining in the third, the Titans put a touchdown on the board. Hansen connected with wide out Anthony Silvers for a 5-yard pass. At the end of the third quarter the Storm led the Titans, 27-20.

The Storm began the fourth quarter with a 4-yard touchdown run by Tory Harrison making it a 34-20 Sioux Falls lead. Douglass added another three points with a field goal on the next possession to make it a 37-20 lead with 6:21 to play. With 2:58 to play the Storm put the dagger on the Titans season when Mike Tatum took in a sweep around run for a 5-yard touchdown.

Terrance Bryant finished the game with 180 yards passing and two touchdown throws. James Terry was his favorite receiver as he finished the game with two touchdown receptions and 128 yards. Sioux Falls plays next week for the 2013 United Bowl IFL Championship on Saturday night against the Nebraska Danger. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 and tickets will be available at the Arena box office at noon on Monday.